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Build a Home Gym
Build a home gym that offers the potential for unlimited exercises and maximum results. But before purchasing any equipment clearly establish available space & budget, as well as your specific goals.
Depending on the kind of training you will be doing, you'll have to take into consideration the square footage you're working with. Since many of this website's articles are based on building muscle, I'm going to assume that you will be using basic weight training methods to reach your goals. In this case, build a home gym that includes free weights (barbell[s], dumbbells), machines, and pulley systems (i.e. cables).
Keep in mind that even the simplest and smallest of home gyms require the hosting room to be at least 10 feet by 10 feet (approximately 3.05 meters by 3.05 meters). Carefully plan where you will be placing equipment and don't forget to allow some free space around all sides of it; You'll need sufficient room for loading weights along with being able to perform all exercises.
It might also be a good idea to include your home gym in a room with a window (that could optionally be opened). The temperature will quickly rise in a room that is poorly ventilated, and you don't want to ever feel claustrophobic in your own home. An added benefit of having a window, that is if you will be training during the day, is that natural sunlight will enter the room, bringing more life & energy into your gym.
Build a home gym with budget in mind. You don't want to get an incredible piece of equipment offering numerous capabilities, and suddenly realize that you don't have enough money to buy the weights to load onto it. That's like buying a Ferrari and not having a cent left over to purchase fuel. Plan ahead, knowing exactly what you need to reach your desired objectives.
Some people are huge fans of free weights. In this case, they'll only need an adjustable bench (allowing for flat, incline, and decline positions), and a pair of dumbbells. They can then eliminate purchasing a costly multi-station machine. Similarly, an individual who is only concerned with developing tight abs doesn't have to buy a treadmill (which is generally the single most expensive piece of equipment any type of gym has to offer), or even an ab machine; An ab roller and stability ball would due. Also, burning fat, the essential ingredient to 'seeing the abs', can be done by walking or jogging in the great outdoors.
Another way of saving money is destroying that part of you that is superficial. Shop around for quality and convenience only. Brand names often do offer great prices because the companies behind them sell large quantities of product, and hence settle for a little less profit per sale. A smaller company may charge more to make ends meet. Still, the safest way to shop is to not be biased. Pay attention to elements such as price, equipment warranties, how dynamic & solid the equipment is, if installation is included in the price, the quality (eg: a smith machine with linear bearings is much better than one without them), shipping rates & speed of delivery (as well as any associated guarantees), etc.
In some cases, a professional athlete will openly endorse a particular home gym. Although they're most likely being paid (through financial or other incentives) to do so, having a credible fitness personality say "Yes!" to a product could be a good thing, providing you with a push in the right direction. Either way, do your own research and see if each selection of equipment is in sync with the lot, and also resonates with you in a positive way.